Correlation Test Between Indoor Radon and Surficial Gamma Radiation in Northern Virginia

摘要

In northern Virginia, significant indoor radon differences occur due to soil chemistry, home heating system and precipitation. Homes constructed on soil over some geological units had indoor radon that exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency Maximum Concentration Level of 4 picoCuries/liter for home buyers. Seasons with more precipitation tend to have higher average indoor radon. Homes with electrical heating systems averaged almost 50% higher indoor radon than homes with gas or oil furnaces. Comparisons between indoor radon and soil radon show a positive correlation, suggesting that soil aero radioactivity measurements can delineate areas with a high potential for indoor radon.